I'm just getting around to messing with my Surface. I installed Chrome since it's my preferred browser and keep all my devices in sync

I can barely use it with my fingers. IE works flawlessly. Chrome I need to repeatedly use the same action to get it to recognize the action. This is to be expected? If so, I can't imagine keeping the Surface if I have to worry about regular apps not working properly with the touch screen

I'm just getting around to messing with my Surface. I installed Chrome since it's my preferred browser and keep all my devices in sync

I can barely use it with my fingers. IE works flawlessly. Chrome I need to repeatedly use the same action to get it to recognize the action. This is to be expected? If so, I can't imagine keeping the Surface if I have to worry about regular apps not working properly with the touch screen

That's normal. Google Chrome is just TERRIBLE on touch devices [Windows version, at least]. It's not optimized for touch at all. I have a 25 inch multitouch screen and it's even terrible on that. They made a number of design decisions that just don't work, and they haven't done much to fix it.

But no, you won't have to worry about other programs not working well... they will work just fine.